New Data: Instagram Engagement in 2020<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n- \nAbout 90% of Instagram users follow at least one business<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
- There are more than 1B active monthly Instagram users<\/li>\n
- More than 83% of Instagram users have discovered a new product or service on the platform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It\u2019s clear that Instagram isn\u2019t just for personal use anymore \u2014 whether for you or your dog. It\u2019s now a global platform that allows brands to\u00a0humanize their content, recruit new talent, showcase products, and inspire their audience<\/strong>.<\/p>\nMoreover, Instagram users aren\u2019t just active \u2014 they\u2019re engaged.\u00a0About 60%<\/a>\u00a0of the platform\u2019s active users visit the site daily, and 21% say they check it weekly.<\/p>\nInstagram can also help you grow\u00a0your\u00a0brand awareness\u00a0and introduce new products.\u00a080% of Instagram users<\/a>\u00a0have made a purchase based on something they discovered on the platform. Instagram allows you to promote your brand and product in a friendly, authentic way without hard selling to your customers.<\/p>\nEven with all these Instagram statistics, you may still be unsure of how to get started. We know the platform can be a little intimidating at first, and\u00a0that\u2019s why we\u2019ve created this guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\nHow to Create an Instagram Business Account<\/strong><\/h2>\nBefore we begin, it\u2019s important to note that\u00a0Instagram is intended for in-the-moment content<\/strong>. To stay relevant to your audience, you\u2019ll need to invest the resources required to post regularly.<\/p>\nThe best way to keep your followers engaged is to keep your Instagram profile up-to-date. Below, we\u2019ll dive into how to build and maintain a successful Instagram profile.<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t have it already, download the Instagram app from the\u00a0App Store<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Google Play Store<\/a>. You can view content on Instagram\u2019s website, but you can\u2019t upload it via your desktop. You\u2019ll need the app for that.<\/p>\nSetting Up Your Instagram Account<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhen you open the Instagram app, you\u2019ll have two choices for creating your account \u2014\u00a0Log In With Facebook<\/em>\u00a0or\u00a0Sign Up With Phone or Email<\/em>. Be sure to\u00a0sign up with a business email<\/a>\u00a0so your Instagram profile isn\u2019t linked to your personal Facebook account.<\/p>\nNext, enter your account details. Under\u00a0Full Name,\u00a0<\/em>enter your actual business name so your profile is recognizable to visitors. This name is what\u2019s displayed on your profile; it isn\u2019t your account username (or handle, for those Twitter folks).<\/p>\nThe\u00a0Username<\/em> is a name unique to your profile and allows other accounts to engage with your brand. switch2digital’s username is @switch2digitalindia<\/a>.<\/p>\nPick a username that is recognizable and easy to find. If your business name is taken, try to keep the first part of your business name in your username.\u00a0Note<\/em>: You can update your username later in your account settings, so don\u2019t worry if you want to change it in the future.<\/p>\nOptimizing Your Instagram Account<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow it\u2019s time to choose the right profile picture. Your\u00a0profile picture\u00a0is your first impression on new visitors. For this reason, keep your image consistent with your\u00a0branding\u00a0and visual markers.<\/p>\n
Consider using your logo or another familiar image. Instagram profile pictures are automatically cropped into a circle, so leave room around the corners of your image.<\/p>\n
Next up \u2014 your Instagram bio. Instagram bios have a\u00a0150-character maximum, so your goal here is a direct, concise summary of who you are and why people should follow you. Tell your audience about your business using a hint of personality. Instagram bios aren\u2019t searchable, so don\u2019t worry about\u00a0keywords or hashtags (which we cover more below).<\/p>\n
In your bio, you can encourage users to take a specific action, such as using a certain hashtag or visiting your website. Your bio is the only place where you can feature a clickable URL and drive traffic to an external site.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-bio-refinery29.jpg\")
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For this reason, it\u2019s common for businesses to update their featured URL to align with their most recent post. If you decide to add a link, be sure use a link shortener like\u00a0HubSpot’s Tracking URL builder<\/a>\u00a0or a tool like\u00a0Bitly,<\/a>\u00a0Goo.gl<\/a>, or\u00a0Linktr.ee<\/a>\u00a0to keep your profile from looking cluttered. Tracked URLs also help you better understand the amount of traffic Instagram is driving to your website.<\/p>\nFor future edits, click on the\u00a0Edit Profile<\/em>\u00a0button on your profile to change your photo, name, username, bio, and URL.<\/p>\nManaging Your Instagram Settings<\/strong><\/h3>\nLastly, let\u2019s review your account settings. Click on the three stacked lines in the upper right-hand corner of your profile, then click on\u00a0Settings<\/em>\u00a0at the bottom of the window. (Under your username, you\u2019ll see a few links that we\u2019ll cover below.)<\/p>\nWithin your settings, you\u2019ll be able to do things like changing your password, see posts you\u2019ve liked, enable notifications, and much more. Here are a few things you should check out right away.<\/p>\n
Story Settings<\/strong>, where you can manage who can see and reply to your Instagram Stories (which we discuss below). We recommend allowing all your followers to see and reply to your Stories to increase brand engagement. From your settings, click\u00a0Privacy<\/em>\u00a0>\u00a0Story<\/em>\u00a0to access your Story Controls. (You can also access this by clicking the gear icon in the top left corner when posting a story.)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-settings-story.jpg\")
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Switch to a Professional Account<\/strong>, which allows you to identify your profile as a business profile. Instagram\u2019s Business Tools feature makes it easy for users to contact you, provides you with in-depth insights, and allows you to promote your content. Your business must have a Facebook business page to switch to an Instagram business profile. From your settings, click\u00a0Account<\/em>\u00a0>\u00a0Switch to Professional Account<\/em>\u00a0to access these features.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-settings-switch-to-business-profile.jpg\")
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To switch to a business profile, choose this setting, log in to Facebook, and allow Instagram to manage your Pages. Select a Facebook Page to connect to your Instagram profile. (You must be a Facebook page admin to connect the two platforms.)<\/p>\n
Instagram will automatically import relevant information from your Facebook page for you to edit. You now have an Instagram business profile. Be sure to check out your profile insights and account settings!<\/p>\n
Private Account<\/strong>, where you can change your profile from public to private. Instagram will automatically set your profile to the public \u2014 we don\u2019t recommend changing it! As a business, you\u2019ll want users to see your posts and follow your business without any obstacles. From your settings, click Privacy<\/em>\u00a0>\u00a0Account Privacy<\/em>, and make sure that’s turned off.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-settings-privacy.jpg\")
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Comments<\/strong>, which allows you to hide comments with certain keywords or phrases. To do this, you must enter the specific words and phrases into your Instagram settings and turn on the feature. Receiving comments is exciting and encouraging, but certain comments may go against brand values or offend your audience. From your settings, click\u00a0Privacy<\/em>\u00a0>\u00a0Comments<\/em>\u00a0to update these.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-settings-comments.jpg\")
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Adding Additional Instagram Accounts<\/strong>, where you can\u00a0add up to five accounts<\/a>\u00a0and switch between them without logging in and out. This feature also allows you to have multiple people logged into an account at one time. To add an account, click\u00a0Add Account\u00a0<\/em>at the bottom of your settings. Enter the username and password of the account you\u2019d like to add. To switch between accounts, go to your profile and tap your username at the top of the screen. Choose the account you\u2019d like to switch to.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-settings-add-account.jpg\")
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Types of Instagram Posts<\/strong><\/h2>\nNow that you\u2019ve created and optimized your Instagram account, it\u2019s time to start posting awesome content. Instagram allows you to post several types of content, including photos, videos, and Stories.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s talk about the different Instagram post types and some best practices for encouraging engagement.<\/p>\n
Images<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe most common post on Instagram is an\u00a0image post<\/strong>. When posting images, share a variety of photos. The variety will show your brand is diverse and engage your followers in different ways.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s also important to remember that Instagram users are looking for genuine posts from brands \u2014 not blatant advertisements. Try to capture your company culture with lifestyle shots and behind-the-scenes looks. Avoid posting too many photos of your product.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>:\u00a0Nike\u2019s Instagram<\/a>\u00a0includes product photos, but the majority show real athletes, concerts, and other types of content that promote the Nike brand personality as a whole.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-image-post-nike.png\")
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As you start to explore the platform, you\u2019ll see there are countless kinds of images you can post to your account. Get creative! Take note of any concepts or styles you think would work well for your brand.<\/p>\n
To get you started, we\u2019ve compiled a list of some\u00a0successful Instagram image types.<\/em><\/p>\nBehind-the-Scenes Posts<\/strong><\/h4>\nThese posts offer a glimpse into the part of your business that people don\u2019t normally see. It\u2019s important that they don\u2019t look staged \u2014 authenticity is key!<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>:\u00a0Aeronaut Brewing Company<\/a>\u00a0provided an inside look at its company culture by showcasing its employees at work.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-behind-the-scenes-aeronaut-brewing-1.png\")
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Reposts From Employees<\/strong><\/h4>\nGreat content can be right in front of you \u2026 on your employees\u2019 Instagrams. (Just be sure to tag or credit the original poster.) Reposting photos from your employees is an easy way to curate authentic content and humanize your business. Not only will your audience engage with your brand, but they\u2019ll also start to \u201cbond\u201d with your employees.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>:\u00a0Fenway Park<\/a>\u00a0often reposts images shared by the grounds crew as they prepare the stadium.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-reposts-from-employees-fenway-park-1.jpg\")
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Educational Posts<\/strong><\/h4>\nEducational posts offer snackable tips on how to do or make something. The photos or videos usually present the instructions in a way that are quick and easy to follow.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>: The popular\u00a0Tasty<\/a>\u00a0recipe video series from Buzzfeed is educational yet very entertaining and easy to replicate.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-educational-buzzfeed-tasty.png\")
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Influencer Posts<\/strong><\/h4>\nInfluencer posts use the fame of a celebrity or well-known public figure to promote your brand. These posts often include a visual of the influencer using or interacting with your product. One of the main benefits of influencer posts is gaining the attention of another audience.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>:\u00a0Goal Zero<\/a> shows renowned rock climber and photographer Alex Honnold using one of its solar power charging stations. Not only is Goal Zero reaching its own audience, but it’s also reaching Alex\u2019s 500,000-plus Instagram follower base.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-influencer-goalzero.jpg\")
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Motivational Posts<\/strong><\/h4>\nA motivational post combines a simple visual with an overlaid quote or uplifting text. These posts encourage your audience\u00a0and<\/em>\u00a0amplify your brand values. While effective, try to post these sparingly to avoid looking cheesy. Apps like\u00a0Quipio<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Typic<\/a>\u00a0can help you add text to photos in a way that\u2019s consistent with your brand guidelines.<\/p>\nExample<\/strong>:\u00a0Foundr<\/a>\u00a0often shares motivational posts to encourage its follower base of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and marketers. The posts also align with their mission as a business media company.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-motivational-foundr.png\")
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User-Generated Content<\/strong><\/h4>\nSimilar to employee reposts,\u00a0user-generated content (UGC)\u00a0is curated content from your fans and followers. Your tagged posts and posts with your brand hashtag are a great source for UGC.<\/p>\n
Sharing your fans\u2019 and followers\u2019 photos not only make the original poster feel good, but it also shows that you truly care about your customers. Just be sure to credit the original post with a tag or in the caption. To repost user-generated content, screenshot and crop the original post or use a reposting app like Repost for Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\nExample<\/strong>:\u00a0WeWork<\/a>\u00a0conducts an annual #DogsOfWeWork campaign and compiles the best submissions together into a yearly calendar. Although WeWork doesn\u2019t repost every tagged image, their campaign helps create invaluable reach and engagement.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-user-generated-content-wework.png\")
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Newsjacking (Trending Holiday Posts)<\/strong><\/h4>\nIt seems like there\u2019s a \u201choliday\u201d for everything these days. Events like National Sibling Day and National Ice Cream Day generate a ton of engagement on social media. Join in the fun by participating in a local, national, or world trend. A newsjacking post is a great way to post humorous content that relates to light-hearted events.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>:\u00a0Corridor Brewing<\/a>\u00a0celebrated the Cubs’ Opening Day. Through this post, the American restaurant chain tapped into a popular American pastime.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-corridor-brewing-newsjacking-post.jpeg\")
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Capturing and Editing Instagram Photos<\/strong><\/h4>\nNow that we\u2019ve explored\u00a0what<\/em>\u00a0you can post on Instagram, let\u2019s review some ways to make sure your content is successful. Unlike other social media platforms, Instagram\u2019s simple profile layout forces you to focus on the quality of content \u2026 not the quantity.<\/p>\nWhile this is great for engagement, it also means that you can\u2019t hide mediocre content. Do your very best to use high-resolution images on your Instagram feed.<\/p>\n
Square images should be 1080 x 1080px. Landscape images should be 1080 x 566px, and profile images should be 1350 x 1080px. Regardless of what size you upload, every image will be shown as a square in your profile feed.<\/p>\n
How to Take a Great Photo With Your Smartphone<\/strong><\/h5>\nYou might be thinking\u00a0How am I supposed to capture the perfect, high-quality shot without a high-quality camera<\/em>? No worries!\u00a0Phone camera technology\u00a0has become so advanced that it now rivals thousand-dollar cameras.<\/p>\nAmazing photography is no longer limited to those with professional cameras. You (yes, you!) can take eye-catching photos your audience will love using a tool you already have in your hands. Here are some tips to drive follower growth and Instagram engagement.<\/p>\n
1. Follow the rule of thirds.<\/strong><\/h6>\nTo instantly improve your photo composition, turn on your camera grid lines. Aim to place your subject at the intersection of one set of vertical and horizontal lines. This technique, known as the rule of thirds, is popular among painters, illustrators, and photographers.<\/p>\n
Placing your subject off centre creates a slight imbalance that catches your viewer\u2019s eye. To turn on your grid lines (on an iPhone), go to Settings<\/em>\u00a0>\u00a0Photos & Camera<\/em>\u00a0and switch\u00a0Grid<\/em>\u00a0to on<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-18.jpg\")
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2. Focus on a single subject.<\/strong><\/h6>\nA crowded background with multiple subjects in a frame only distracts from the focus of your shot. It can even confuse your audience.<\/p>\n
Instead, focus on a single subject in each photo. Remove distractions by cropping them out or finding a clean background to shoot against.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-19.jpg\")
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3. Take advantage of negative space.<\/strong><\/h6>\nNegative space is the empty space around your subject. Leaving negative space around your subject will draw attention to the desired focus of your image and prevent it from looking crowded.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-20.jpg\")
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4. Look for interesting perspectives.<\/strong><\/h6>\nPeople are used to seeing the world from eye level. To create interesting and fresh photos, use shots from different perspectives. Change up your shooting perspective to capture a bird\u2019s eye view or worm\u2019s eye view. Experiment with different angles to find new perspectives on common sights.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-21.jpg\")
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5. Leverage symmetry and patterns.<\/strong><\/h6>\nThe human eye is naturally drawn to symmetrical shapes and objects. Sometimes, it\u2019s best to break the rule of thirds and centre the scene in your frame. Leading lines are another more specific form of symmetry that pulls the eye into the photo. People are also drawn to patterns. A pattern could be man-made, such as a tiled floor, or natural, such as petals on a flower or vines on a wall. To make things really interesting, break up the pattern with your subject.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-22.jpg\")
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6. Use natural light.<\/strong><\/h6>\nStandard overhead lighting creates harsh shadows and highlights that create unwanted dark and light areas in your photos. To prevent this from happening, use soft natural light wherever possible. Try taking photos next to a window, and for outdoor shots, the half-hour just before sunset and after sunrise often offers the most striking lighting as the sun is low in the horizon.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-24.jpg\")
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How to Add Filters and Edit Photos<\/strong><\/h4>\nEver wonder why some photos just look\u00a0so<\/em>\u00a0good? It probably has to do with how it\u2019s edited.\u00a0Editing photos\u00a0only takes a few minutes and can massively impact the quality. Thanks to Instagram\u2019s built-in tools and filters, editing photos is very simple. Follow these tips to make that photo of your homemade lunch look like a culinary masterpiece.<\/p>\nFirst, start with a great photo (using our tips above). No amount of editing can fix photos if they have poor composition or lighting.<\/p>\n
Consider using other apps to edit your photo.\u00a0Snapseed<\/a>\u00a0is a free editing app that allows you to apply effects like HDR and tonal contrast as well as adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation.\u00a0VSCO<\/a>\u00a0is also another popular editing app with numerous free filters that resemble popular film stocks.<\/p>\nWhen you upload your edited photo to Instagram, it\u2019ll automatically crop your photo into a square. To change it back to the original width, press the icon the two outward-facing arrows. At this stage, you can add additional Instagram filters \u2014 but don\u2019t go too crazy. Each Instagram filter has its own personality\u00a0that can drastically change a photo.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-photo-sizing.jpeg\")
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Next, try adjusting your photo lux. According to\u00a0Instagram<\/a>, \u201cLux balances the exposure and provides much-needed brightness\u201d to photos. Lux make can make your image more vibrant and bring out details. To do this, press the wand icon at the top of the screen and adjust the level.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-lux.jpeg\")
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Make any final tweaks using Instagram\u2019s editing tools. Press\u00a0Edit<\/em>\u00a0to adjust your photo\u2019s alignment, brightness, contrast, structure, and more. Press\u00a0Next<\/em>\u00a0when you\u2019re done to add final details and publish.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/switch2digital.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/instagram-marketing-edit-photo.jpeg\")
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Videos<\/strong><\/h3>\nInstagram also lets you upload videos \u2014 as long as they\u2019re a minute or less in length.<\/p>\n
You can download professionally edited videos from your computer or videos you\u2019ve edited in a mobile app.\u00a0Splice<\/a>\u00a0is a free editing tool (from the same guys that made GoPro) that allows you to cut together multiple clips and add transitions, titles, and music.<\/p>\nInstagram videos default to playing\u00a0without<\/em>\u00a0sound. Because of this, make sure at least the first few seconds of your videos don\u2019t need sound to be understood. You can use your caption or prompt viewers to turn on the sound.<\/p>\nExample<\/strong>: Purina shared this video that delights viewers with cute dogs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nView this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n
A post shared by Purina (@purina)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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- \nAbout 90% of Instagram users follow at least one business<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
- There are more than 1B active monthly Instagram users<\/li>\n
- More than 83% of Instagram users have discovered a new product or service on the platform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It\u2019s clear that Instagram isn\u2019t just for personal use anymore \u2014 whether for you or your dog. It\u2019s now a global platform that allows brands to\u00a0humanize their content, recruit new talent, showcase products, and inspire their audience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Moreover, Instagram users aren\u2019t just active \u2014 they\u2019re engaged.\u00a0About 60%<\/a>\u00a0of the platform\u2019s active users visit the site daily, and 21% say they check it weekly.<\/p>\n
Instagram can also help you grow\u00a0your\u00a0brand awareness\u00a0and introduce new products.\u00a080% of Instagram users<\/a>\u00a0have made a purchase based on something they discovered on the platform. Instagram allows you to promote your brand and product in a friendly, authentic way without hard selling to your customers.<\/p>\n
Even with all these Instagram statistics, you may still be unsure of how to get started. We know the platform can be a little intimidating at first, and\u00a0that\u2019s why we\u2019ve created this guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
How to Create an Instagram Business Account<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Before we begin, it\u2019s important to note that\u00a0Instagram is intended for in-the-moment content<\/strong>. To stay relevant to your audience, you\u2019ll need to invest the resources required to post regularly.<\/p>\n
The best way to keep your followers engaged is to keep your Instagram profile up-to-date. Below, we\u2019ll dive into how to build and maintain a successful Instagram profile.<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t have it already, download the Instagram app from the\u00a0App Store<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Google Play Store<\/a>. You can view content on Instagram\u2019s website, but you can\u2019t upload it via your desktop. You\u2019ll need the app for that.<\/p>\n
Setting Up Your Instagram Account<\/strong><\/h3>\n
When you open the Instagram app, you\u2019ll have two choices for creating your account \u2014\u00a0Log In With Facebook<\/em>\u00a0or\u00a0Sign Up With Phone or Email<\/em>. Be sure to\u00a0sign up with a business email<\/a>\u00a0so your Instagram profile isn\u2019t linked to your personal Facebook account.<\/p>\n
Next, enter your account details. Under\u00a0Full Name,\u00a0<\/em>enter your actual business name so your profile is recognizable to visitors. This name is what\u2019s displayed on your profile; it isn\u2019t your account username (or handle, for those Twitter folks).<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Username<\/em> is a name unique to your profile and allows other accounts to engage with your brand. switch2digital’s username is @switch2digitalindia<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Pick a username that is recognizable and easy to find. If your business name is taken, try to keep the first part of your business name in your username.\u00a0Note<\/em>: You can update your username later in your account settings, so don\u2019t worry if you want to change it in the future.<\/p>\n
Optimizing Your Instagram Account<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Now it\u2019s time to choose the right profile picture. Your\u00a0profile picture\u00a0is your first impression on new visitors. For this reason, keep your image consistent with your\u00a0branding\u00a0and visual markers.<\/p>\n
Consider using your logo or another familiar image. Instagram profile pictures are automatically cropped into a circle, so leave room around the corners of your image.<\/p>\n
Next up \u2014 your Instagram bio. Instagram bios have a\u00a0150-character maximum, so your goal here is a direct, concise summary of who you are and why people should follow you. Tell your audience about your business using a hint of personality. Instagram bios aren\u2019t searchable, so don\u2019t worry about\u00a0keywords or hashtags (which we cover more below).<\/p>\n
In your bio, you can encourage users to take a specific action, such as using a certain hashtag or visiting your website. Your bio is the only place where you can feature a clickable URL and drive traffic to an external site.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nFor this reason, it\u2019s common for businesses to update their featured URL to align with their most recent post. If you decide to add a link, be sure use a link shortener like\u00a0HubSpot’s Tracking URL builder<\/a>\u00a0or a tool like\u00a0Bitly,<\/a>\u00a0Goo.gl<\/a>, or\u00a0Linktr.ee<\/a>\u00a0to keep your profile from looking cluttered. Tracked URLs also help you better understand the amount of traffic Instagram is driving to your website.<\/p>\n
For future edits, click on the\u00a0Edit Profile<\/em>\u00a0button on your profile to change your photo, name, username, bio, and URL.<\/p>\n
Managing Your Instagram Settings<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Lastly, let\u2019s review your account settings. Click on the three stacked lines in the upper right-hand corner of your profile, then click on\u00a0Settings<\/em>\u00a0at the bottom of the window. (Under your username, you\u2019ll see a few links that we\u2019ll cover below.)<\/p>\n
Within your settings, you\u2019ll be able to do things like changing your password, see posts you\u2019ve liked, enable notifications, and much more. Here are a few things you should check out right away.<\/p>\n
Story Settings<\/strong>, where you can manage who can see and reply to your Instagram Stories (which we discuss below). We recommend allowing all your followers to see and reply to your Stories to increase brand engagement. From your settings, click\u00a0Privacy<\/em>\u00a0>\u00a0Story<\/em>\u00a0to access your Story Controls. (You can also access this by clicking the gear icon in the top left corner when posting a story.)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nSwitch to a Professional Account<\/strong>, which allows you to identify your profile as a business profile. Instagram\u2019s Business Tools feature makes it easy for users to contact you, provides you with in-depth insights, and allows you to promote your content. Your business must have a Facebook business page to switch to an Instagram business profile. From your settings, click\u00a0Account<\/em>\u00a0>\u00a0Switch to Professional Account<\/em>\u00a0to access these features.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nTo switch to a business profile, choose this setting, log in to Facebook, and allow Instagram to manage your Pages. Select a Facebook Page to connect to your Instagram profile. (You must be a Facebook page admin to connect the two platforms.)<\/p>\n
Instagram will automatically import relevant information from your Facebook page for you to edit. You now have an Instagram business profile. Be sure to check out your profile insights and account settings!<\/p>\n
Private Account<\/strong>, where you can change your profile from public to private. Instagram will automatically set your profile to the public \u2014 we don\u2019t recommend changing it! As a business, you\u2019ll want users to see your posts and follow your business without any obstacles. From your settings, click Privacy<\/em>\u00a0>\u00a0Account Privacy<\/em>, and make sure that’s turned off.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nComments<\/strong>, which allows you to hide comments with certain keywords or phrases. To do this, you must enter the specific words and phrases into your Instagram settings and turn on the feature. Receiving comments is exciting and encouraging, but certain comments may go against brand values or offend your audience. From your settings, click\u00a0Privacy<\/em>\u00a0>\u00a0Comments<\/em>\u00a0to update these.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nAdding Additional Instagram Accounts<\/strong>, where you can\u00a0add up to five accounts<\/a>\u00a0and switch between them without logging in and out. This feature also allows you to have multiple people logged into an account at one time. To add an account, click\u00a0Add Account\u00a0<\/em>at the bottom of your settings. Enter the username and password of the account you\u2019d like to add. To switch between accounts, go to your profile and tap your username at the top of the screen. Choose the account you\u2019d like to switch to.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nTypes of Instagram Posts<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Now that you\u2019ve created and optimized your Instagram account, it\u2019s time to start posting awesome content. Instagram allows you to post several types of content, including photos, videos, and Stories.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s talk about the different Instagram post types and some best practices for encouraging engagement.<\/p>\n
Images<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The most common post on Instagram is an\u00a0image post<\/strong>. When posting images, share a variety of photos. The variety will show your brand is diverse and engage your followers in different ways.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also important to remember that Instagram users are looking for genuine posts from brands \u2014 not blatant advertisements. Try to capture your company culture with lifestyle shots and behind-the-scenes looks. Avoid posting too many photos of your product.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>:\u00a0Nike\u2019s Instagram<\/a>\u00a0includes product photos, but the majority show real athletes, concerts, and other types of content that promote the Nike brand personality as a whole.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nAs you start to explore the platform, you\u2019ll see there are countless kinds of images you can post to your account. Get creative! Take note of any concepts or styles you think would work well for your brand.<\/p>\n
To get you started, we\u2019ve compiled a list of some\u00a0successful Instagram image types.<\/em><\/p>\n
Behind-the-Scenes Posts<\/strong><\/h4>\n
These posts offer a glimpse into the part of your business that people don\u2019t normally see. It\u2019s important that they don\u2019t look staged \u2014 authenticity is key!<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>:\u00a0Aeronaut Brewing Company<\/a>\u00a0provided an inside look at its company culture by showcasing its employees at work.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nReposts From Employees<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Great content can be right in front of you \u2026 on your employees\u2019 Instagrams. (Just be sure to tag or credit the original poster.) Reposting photos from your employees is an easy way to curate authentic content and humanize your business. Not only will your audience engage with your brand, but they\u2019ll also start to \u201cbond\u201d with your employees.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>:\u00a0Fenway Park<\/a>\u00a0often reposts images shared by the grounds crew as they prepare the stadium.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nEducational Posts<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Educational posts offer snackable tips on how to do or make something. The photos or videos usually present the instructions in a way that are quick and easy to follow.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>: The popular\u00a0Tasty<\/a>\u00a0recipe video series from Buzzfeed is educational yet very entertaining and easy to replicate.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nInfluencer Posts<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Influencer posts use the fame of a celebrity or well-known public figure to promote your brand. These posts often include a visual of the influencer using or interacting with your product. One of the main benefits of influencer posts is gaining the attention of another audience.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>:\u00a0Goal Zero<\/a> shows renowned rock climber and photographer Alex Honnold using one of its solar power charging stations. Not only is Goal Zero reaching its own audience, but it’s also reaching Alex\u2019s 500,000-plus Instagram follower base.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMotivational Posts<\/strong><\/h4>\n
A motivational post combines a simple visual with an overlaid quote or uplifting text. These posts encourage your audience\u00a0and<\/em>\u00a0amplify your brand values. While effective, try to post these sparingly to avoid looking cheesy. Apps like\u00a0Quipio<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Typic<\/a>\u00a0can help you add text to photos in a way that\u2019s consistent with your brand guidelines.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>:\u00a0Foundr<\/a>\u00a0often shares motivational posts to encourage its follower base of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and marketers. The posts also align with their mission as a business media company.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nUser-Generated Content<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Similar to employee reposts,\u00a0user-generated content (UGC)\u00a0is curated content from your fans and followers. Your tagged posts and posts with your brand hashtag are a great source for UGC.<\/p>\n
Sharing your fans\u2019 and followers\u2019 photos not only make the original poster feel good, but it also shows that you truly care about your customers. Just be sure to credit the original post with a tag or in the caption. To repost user-generated content, screenshot and crop the original post or use a reposting app like Repost for Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>:\u00a0WeWork<\/a>\u00a0conducts an annual #DogsOfWeWork campaign and compiles the best submissions together into a yearly calendar. Although WeWork doesn\u2019t repost every tagged image, their campaign helps create invaluable reach and engagement.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nNewsjacking (Trending Holiday Posts)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
It seems like there\u2019s a \u201choliday\u201d for everything these days. Events like National Sibling Day and National Ice Cream Day generate a ton of engagement on social media. Join in the fun by participating in a local, national, or world trend. A newsjacking post is a great way to post humorous content that relates to light-hearted events.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>:\u00a0Corridor Brewing<\/a>\u00a0celebrated the Cubs’ Opening Day. Through this post, the American restaurant chain tapped into a popular American pastime.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nCapturing and Editing Instagram Photos<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Now that we\u2019ve explored\u00a0what<\/em>\u00a0you can post on Instagram, let\u2019s review some ways to make sure your content is successful. Unlike other social media platforms, Instagram\u2019s simple profile layout forces you to focus on the quality of content \u2026 not the quantity.<\/p>\n
While this is great for engagement, it also means that you can\u2019t hide mediocre content. Do your very best to use high-resolution images on your Instagram feed.<\/p>\n
Square images should be 1080 x 1080px. Landscape images should be 1080 x 566px, and profile images should be 1350 x 1080px. Regardless of what size you upload, every image will be shown as a square in your profile feed.<\/p>\n
How to Take a Great Photo With Your Smartphone<\/strong><\/h5>\n
You might be thinking\u00a0How am I supposed to capture the perfect, high-quality shot without a high-quality camera<\/em>? No worries!\u00a0Phone camera technology\u00a0has become so advanced that it now rivals thousand-dollar cameras.<\/p>\n
Amazing photography is no longer limited to those with professional cameras. You (yes, you!) can take eye-catching photos your audience will love using a tool you already have in your hands. Here are some tips to drive follower growth and Instagram engagement.<\/p>\n
1. Follow the rule of thirds.<\/strong><\/h6>\n
To instantly improve your photo composition, turn on your camera grid lines. Aim to place your subject at the intersection of one set of vertical and horizontal lines. This technique, known as the rule of thirds, is popular among painters, illustrators, and photographers.<\/p>\n
Placing your subject off centre creates a slight imbalance that catches your viewer\u2019s eye. To turn on your grid lines (on an iPhone), go to Settings<\/em>\u00a0>\u00a0Photos & Camera<\/em>\u00a0and switch\u00a0Grid<\/em>\u00a0to on<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n2. Focus on a single subject.<\/strong><\/h6>\n
A crowded background with multiple subjects in a frame only distracts from the focus of your shot. It can even confuse your audience.<\/p>\n
Instead, focus on a single subject in each photo. Remove distractions by cropping them out or finding a clean background to shoot against.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n3. Take advantage of negative space.<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Negative space is the empty space around your subject. Leaving negative space around your subject will draw attention to the desired focus of your image and prevent it from looking crowded.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n4. Look for interesting perspectives.<\/strong><\/h6>\n
People are used to seeing the world from eye level. To create interesting and fresh photos, use shots from different perspectives. Change up your shooting perspective to capture a bird\u2019s eye view or worm\u2019s eye view. Experiment with different angles to find new perspectives on common sights.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n5. Leverage symmetry and patterns.<\/strong><\/h6>\n
The human eye is naturally drawn to symmetrical shapes and objects. Sometimes, it\u2019s best to break the rule of thirds and centre the scene in your frame. Leading lines are another more specific form of symmetry that pulls the eye into the photo. People are also drawn to patterns. A pattern could be man-made, such as a tiled floor, or natural, such as petals on a flower or vines on a wall. To make things really interesting, break up the pattern with your subject.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n6. Use natural light.<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Standard overhead lighting creates harsh shadows and highlights that create unwanted dark and light areas in your photos. To prevent this from happening, use soft natural light wherever possible. Try taking photos next to a window, and for outdoor shots, the half-hour just before sunset and after sunrise often offers the most striking lighting as the sun is low in the horizon.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nHow to Add Filters and Edit Photos<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Ever wonder why some photos just look\u00a0so<\/em>\u00a0good? It probably has to do with how it\u2019s edited.\u00a0Editing photos\u00a0only takes a few minutes and can massively impact the quality. Thanks to Instagram\u2019s built-in tools and filters, editing photos is very simple. Follow these tips to make that photo of your homemade lunch look like a culinary masterpiece.<\/p>\n
First, start with a great photo (using our tips above). No amount of editing can fix photos if they have poor composition or lighting.<\/p>\n
Consider using other apps to edit your photo.\u00a0Snapseed<\/a>\u00a0is a free editing app that allows you to apply effects like HDR and tonal contrast as well as adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation.\u00a0VSCO<\/a>\u00a0is also another popular editing app with numerous free filters that resemble popular film stocks.<\/p>\n
When you upload your edited photo to Instagram, it\u2019ll automatically crop your photo into a square. To change it back to the original width, press the icon the two outward-facing arrows. At this stage, you can add additional Instagram filters \u2014 but don\u2019t go too crazy. Each Instagram filter has its own personality\u00a0that can drastically change a photo.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nNext, try adjusting your photo lux. According to\u00a0Instagram<\/a>, \u201cLux balances the exposure and provides much-needed brightness\u201d to photos. Lux make can make your image more vibrant and bring out details. To do this, press the wand icon at the top of the screen and adjust the level.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMake any final tweaks using Instagram\u2019s editing tools. Press\u00a0Edit<\/em>\u00a0to adjust your photo\u2019s alignment, brightness, contrast, structure, and more. Press\u00a0Next<\/em>\u00a0when you\u2019re done to add final details and publish.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nVideos<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Instagram also lets you upload videos \u2014 as long as they\u2019re a minute or less in length.<\/p>\n
You can download professionally edited videos from your computer or videos you\u2019ve edited in a mobile app.\u00a0Splice<\/a>\u00a0is a free editing tool (from the same guys that made GoPro) that allows you to cut together multiple clips and add transitions, titles, and music.<\/p>\n
Instagram videos default to playing\u00a0without<\/em>\u00a0sound. Because of this, make sure at least the first few seconds of your videos don\u2019t need sound to be understood. You can use your caption or prompt viewers to turn on the sound.<\/p>\n
Example<\/strong>: Purina shared this video that delights viewers with cute dogs.<\/p>\n
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